I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

Here’s the thing. This workshop isn’t for EVERYONE, but it is for ANYONE who is ready and willing to dig deep and commit to success! Yes, you read that right, not just photographers. ANY and ALL entrepreneurs (budding or established) and big dreamers ready to make things happen in 2011 would benefit TREMENDOUSLY from this intensive!

You were still asleep, the house was quiet, so I slipped on my running shoes.

I ran and I ran and I ran, and before I knew it, I was there.

The grass was beautiful, covered in dew, as the sun was just breaking it’s way over the horizon.

I sat there and had a good long cry.

I thought about where we were a year ago tonight . . . Blessing our fourth PERFECT son. Surrounded by family, laughter, and so much hope for the future.

It would only be days before we’d find ourselves walking long, lonely hallways in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, falling to our knees each moment in fervent prayer. So desperate to keep him with us. So desperate not to say goodbye. So desperate for a miracle.

A year later, I see. . . through misty eyes. . . an entire tapestry of miracles. All woven together in faith, longing, sorrow and joy, into something so beautiful, so pure, so perfect, that I wouldn’t have it any other way.

We.are.surrounded.by.miracles. Aren’t we?

YOU Richie, are the most profound miracle of my life.

Thank you for being with me through this year. Thank you for wiping away my tears. Thank you for lifting me from the dust and inspiring me to carry on, not just to SURVIVE, but to move forward with JOY and determination. Thank you for helping us turn our tragedy into triumph.

Shelly:
Merry Christmas to all my beautiful angels -- here on earth and those who are happily waiting and watching for us to get there. I love you! December 25, 2010 4:15 am

Amie and Mike White:
Mele Kalikimaka dear ones. "All that God is, is around us and within us and eternally asking us to recognize it ... Our security lies in this ability to KNOW truth regardless of conditions and to know love regardless of hurts." Thank you for the living expression of knowing truth and living in a fullness known to very few, though available to all! Your examples are a gift to us this Christmas. Thank you for sharing your you.
Amie and Mike White December 25, 2010 8:51 am

mer:
you and your sweet family are in my heart... thank you for being simply amazing. December 27, 2010 7:57 pm

Ashley:
i blogged about you. thank you for making me appreciate everything i have. One day, one sweet beautiful day you will see both of your galvin's again. December 28, 2010 8:19 am

courtney:
inspiring, as always. my thoughts are with you & yours. December 28, 2010 9:06 am

Suzanna:
You and your family is in my prayers. I have often thought of you this past year and when I did, it reminded me to never take for granted the children in my life. Your life has definitely touched mine even though I will probably never know you for real. God bless you. January 3, 2011 9:44 am

I’m here in Watercolor, FL, writing from the most beautiful house you’ve ever seen in even your wildest of imaginings! We’re getting ready to kick things off for the Making Things Happen Intensive and Reunion! Stay up to date with all the happenings of what’s sure to be an AMAZING weekend on the tumblr page here. Wonderful, exciting and inspiring things will be going on over on Tumblr all weekend long. See you there!

amanda:
I checked out the make things happen page and that looks like such an amazing time! thanks for sharing! December 21, 2010 6:05 am

aroha:
So I got curious as to what this "Make Things Happen" thing was all about and have become obsessed with Lara Casey. Haha! 2011 is going to be my year. Between Lara's motivation and "The Secret", there's nothing I can't do! December 21, 2010 1:16 pm

Marneen:
Natalie,
You NEVER cease to amaze me! You are such a great example of how TO be. You are an inspiration to me! Thanks for sharing your life and work. Your ability to be honest in admitting how difficult things have been for you, as well as admitting how absolutely wonderful you find your family and life, brings tears to my eyes and a laugh in my heart. I LOVE reading your blog. Esp. loved the one about Richie! I'm smiling even now as I think about that picture you posted, and the story. I am sure that you are an inspiration to so many people. Thank you!
Aloha! and Mele Kalikimaka! December 17, 2010 4:21 am